Pedro Sanchez has hit back at Giorgia Meloni after she threatened to suspend the Schengen Agreement (free movement) with Spain.
It came after the Italian Prime Minister said she was prepared to use ‘extraordinary measures’ after tens of thousands of migrants flooded into the North African enclave of Ceuta on Thursday.
In a post on X last night, Sanchez shared Frontex figures showing that Italy has recorded the highest number of irregular migrant arrivals in Europe over the past five years.
According to the stats, Italy recorded 478,600 irregular arrivals between 2021 and 2026, compared with more than 340,000 via the Western Balkans route, 259,800 in Greece and 234,760 in Spain.
‘Solidarity and empathy are optional,’ Sanchez wrote. ‘Respect for European treaties and data is not.’
He concluded with a direct appeal to European unity.
‘This is not the time to divide. It is time to continue building a strong and united EU.’
Brussels backs Spain
The European Commission also sought to cool the growing dispute.
EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner reminded member states that the Schengen Borders Code already contains special provisions for Ceuta and Melilla, with border controls on people leaving the two Spanish enclaves remaining in force.
Brunner said the Commission would continue working closely with the Spanish authorities to make full use of the EU’s migration and asylum framework while providing additional support through European agencies.
He also said he was prepared to visit the affected areas personally if necessary.
‘Our priority is to support Spain in protecting and managing the EU’s external border in an effective and orderly way,’ Brunner said.
‘This includes combating people-smuggling networks and preventing people from undertaking dangerous crossings.’
